The Met Gala 2026 has drawn widespread criticism for its association with billionaire Jeff Bezos, with many labelling the event ‘tone-deaf’ and ‘dystopian’. Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez served as honorary chairs, a role announced months in advance by Vogue and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reportedly involving major funding contributions.
Actress Taraji P. Henson called out attendees on social media, writing: ‘WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!’ She co-signed a post warning celebrities not to wear ICE Out pins given Bezos’s political ties. Presenter Meghan McCain described the gala as ‘creepy’, while Fast and the Furious star Nathalie Kelly called it ‘elitist’.
Among the most criticised moments was Sarah Paulson’s red-carpet look: a mask made of a one-dollar bill, which she named ‘the one percent’. Fans called it hypocritical, with one X user noting: ‘Critique of extreme wealth inequality at the Met Gala. Sponsored by Bezos.’ Katy Perry also faced backlash for wearing a robot mask, with some referencing her reported space trip with Bezos.
Blake Lively attended hours after a last-minute legal settlement, carrying a handbag decorated by her children’s paintings. Critics called the gesture ‘tone-deaf’. Several high-profile figures, including Meryl Streep, Zendaya, and Bella Hadid, chose not to attend.
Activist groups staged protests across New York, and the event was mockingly dubbed the ‘Amazon Prime Gala’ and ‘Bezos Ball’. Newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani declined to attend, citing a focus on affordability over high-profile fundraisers.
